In this article by the ‘Plastics News’ and ‘Waste Recycling News’ web sites, we were impressed to learn that Honda manufacturing plants in North America put practically nothing in landfills, which only re-emphasizes Honda’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

“In the manufacturing domain, we realized our longstanding goal to achieve virtually zero waste to landfills from manufacturing operations in North America,” Tetsuo Iwamura, chief operating officer, North American Regional Operations, said in the report. “As of April 1, 2011, 10 of 14 plants in North America are operating with absolutely zero waste to landfills, while the remaining four plants are producing a very small amount of landfill waste that accounts for less than one-half of 1 percent of all manufacturing-related waste.”

Even as Honda fans, we were surprised at how little waste these titan manufacturing plants dump in landfills: 95 percent of all waste generated on the assembly lines in North America is either recycled or re-used!

“Honda is really dedicated to creating environmentally friendly cars,” said Keith Hofkamp, General Manager of Sims Honda Dealership in Burlington. “Not only do we make environmentally friendlier vehicles than other companies, but the vehicles are even made in environmentally friendlier ways!”

So now, we have to wonder: with Honda leading the industry in commitment to environmental responsibility, starting with the manufacturing process, how long will it take other companies to step in line and start pulling their weight?

To see how Honda is being environmentally friendly in your local community, stop by Northwest Honda, Sims Honda, or Apple Valley Honda dealerships to day! While you’re there, you might as well test drive some of the great new products or quality pre-owned, certified used vehicles, too!